Richard Ford Biography
Richard Ford is an American short story writer and novelist who is best known for his novels featuring Frank Bascombe. Ford established himself as a master of the short story genre early in his career when his first collection Rock Springs was published to immediate acclaim in 1987.
Ford actively supports younger writers by participating in workshops, mentoring programs, and literary events. This mentorship fosters the next generation of literary talent, contributing to the cultural landscape’s continued development.
10 Quick Facts About Richard Ford
- Name: Richard Ford
- Age: 80 Years Old
- Birthday: February 16
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Novelist and Short Story Writer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $3 million
Richard Ford Age
Ford is 80 years old. He was born on February 16, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. He celebrates his birthday on February 16 every year and his birth sign is Aquarius.
Richard Ford Height
Ford stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) tall.
Richard Ford Weight
Ford Weighs 61 kg (134 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Ford was born on February 16, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. He is the only son of Parker Carrol and Edna Ford.
Ford acquired a B.A. degree from Michigan State University. Having enlisted to study hotel management, he switched to English. After graduating, Ford taught junior high school in Flint, Michigan, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but was discharged after contracting hepatitis.
Rise to Fame
The publication of “The Sportswriter” in 1986 marked a turning point. It garnered critical acclaim, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1996. This made Ford gain fame.
Richard Ford Parents
Ford was born in Jackson, Mississippi, United States as the son of Parker Carrol Ford (father) a traveling salesman for Faultless Starch, and Edna Ford (mother) a homemaker with a Catholic background.
Richard Ford Siblings
Ford is the only child of his parents.
Richard Ford Wife
Ford is currently married to his lovely wife Kristina Hensley. They did their wedding in 1968 and have been together for over 54 years.
Richard Ford Children
Any information about Ford’s children is publicly not available. It is publicly not known whether he has children or not. We will update this section once the information is available
Richard Ford Net Worth
Ford has an estimated net worth of $3 million dollars. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Novelist and Short Story Writer. Through his various sources of income, Ford has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts and Body Measurements
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Richard Ford.
Richard Ford Wiki
- Full Names: Richard Ford
- Popular As: novelist and short story writer
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Novelist and Short Story Writer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Richard Ford Birthday
- Age: 80 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Date of Birth: February 16, 1944
- Place of Birth: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
- Birthday: February 16
Richard Ford Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m)
- Weight: 61 kg (134 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Gray
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
Richard Ford Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Parker Carrol Ford
- Mother: Edna Ford
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): None
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Wife: Marred to Kristina Hensley
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: To be Updated
Richard Ford Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $3 million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Novelist and Short Story Writer
Career
Ford’s career began with early struggles as he published critically well-received but commercially unsuccessful novels while working various jobs. His breakthrough came with the novel “The Sportswriter” in 1986, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, introducing the iconic character Frank Bascombe.
Ford went on to win prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and cement his status as a master of the short story and a major American novelist through acclaimed novels like “Independence Day” and “The Lay of the Land”. In addition to writing, Ford has also worked as an editor, screenwriter, and professor, showcasing his diverse talents and enduring impact on the literary world.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Ford’s childhood in rural Mississippi provided him with a deep understanding of the American South and its landscape, which became a recurring theme in his work
Ford witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a historical event that marked the end of the Cold War and had a profound impact on global politics. This event is referenced in his novel “Independence Day”.
Ford’s lifelong passion for sports, particularly baseball, provided him with material for his writing and helped him to connect with the American male experience. This theme is explored most notably in “The Sportswriter”.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Ford has also participated in educational programs, sharing his knowledge and experience with students and aspiring writers. He served as the senior fiction professor at the University of Mississippi for several years and has also conducted workshops and masterclasses at other institutions.
Ford has participated in various community events, lending his name and presence to causes he believes in. He has attended fundraising events, spoken at public forums, and participated in initiatives aimed at improving his local community.
Richard Ford Books
- Let Me Be Frank With You 2014
- The Sportswriter 1986
- Be Mine 2023
- Independence Day 1995
- Canada 2012
- The Lay of the Land 2006
- Rock Springs 1987
- Between Them: Remembering My Parents 2017
- Sorry for Your Trouble: Stories 2020
- Wildlife 1990
- A Multitude of Sins 2001
- Un Trozo de Mi Corazon 1976
Richard Ford Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Pulitzer Prize for Fiction: 1996, for Independence Day
- PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction: 1987, for The Sportswriter
- Princess of Asturias Award for Literature: 2016
- PEN/Malamud Award: 2001, for excellence in short fiction
- St. Louis Literary Award: 2005
Quotes
Final Thought
He is a literary titan, a master of the short story and the American novel. His work has captivated readers for decades, providing profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of American life.
Richard Ford Contacts
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